When can I get back to playing sports?

Your shoulder recovery and the particular sport you play will influence this decision, which you need to take after discussing it with your consultant and physiotherapist.  Likely guidance may include things such as:

• no contact sports for 12 weeks

• start slowly and build up, whatever sport it is

• sports such as tennis, badminton, or squash, that need repeated or powerful overhead movements, do cause stress to your recovering shoulder – it may take a longer time to get back into them comfortably

• a return to golf might take around 6 weeks

• different swimming strokes will have a different effect – for example, your physiotherapist is more likely to suggest breaststroke after around 6 weeks, and front crawl or backstroke later on, around 12 weeks after surgery